vincent Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 As the dawn breaks on the 21st Century, already the social and political tides that shaped the world of the 20th Century move across the globe, repositioning political alignments, opening some borders while closing others. If the last one hundred years were the American Century, and, as some believe, the United States now stands at the apex of its political, economic and military power, it can be argued that?as history dictates?a fall is sure to follow.How and when is yet to be seen, but already two players wait in the wings, redefining their roles on the world stage and preparing for their close-ups. But while the European Union expands and forges its own identity in a slow bureaucratic manner, making sure not to ruffle feathers on this side of the Atlantic, China races to embrace its destiny as a global player to be reckoned with. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the realm of space exploration. For decades, the world?s most populous nation lived in self-imposed isolation, but now it moves to engage the world as an economic, cultural, and, inevitably, a military power. Just as the Cold War spawned the space race and put a man on the moon, much of today?s quest for space is rooted in the desire to gain?and keep?the military advantage, the ?higher ground?. As most Americans saw during both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the use of space-based assets allowed U.S.-led coalition forces to coordinate everything from food drops to waging fierce military offenses with deadly precision. China was watching, too. Though both nations are intertwined economically, with American investment helping drive Chinese business and the American consumer purchasing manufactured products, such a partnership could easily be undone over the issue of Taiwanese independence, territorial and natural resource disputes, or the issue of North Korea?s nuclear program. With a space program deeply rooted in its military, America remains skeptical and wary of China?s intentions. But if the Cold War taught us anything, it is that measured responses and tentative steps can open channels of communication and cooperation. For this special report, we invited Jeffrey Lewis of the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, The Heritage Foundation?s Larry M. Wortzel, Phillip C. Saunders, from the National Defense University?s Institute of National Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C., and Vincent G. Sabathier, a visiting senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, to examine China?s emerging space prowess, its military applications and if?and how?the United States should engage that country. China?s Future in Space: ImplicBy Phillip C. Saundersl] By Phillip C. Saunders Beijing?s space aspirations pose significant security concerns for Washington. Most of China?s space programs have commercial or scientific purposes, but improved space technology could significantly improve Chinese military capabilities. China may also seek to offset U.S. military superiorReadplications_0505.html"]Read Rules oBy Dr. Larry M. Wortzel/url] By Dr. Larry M. Wortzel It is tough to know the future, and it is impossible to know how Sino-American relations will develop. Thus, as with Russia, there is some utility for cooperative programs in space as long as American technology does not impReadrussia-model_0505.html"]Read EBy Dr. Jeffrey Lewisld By Dr. Jeffrey Lewis As access to space technology becomes more widely available, the international laws regarding space technology and its transfer continues to reflect the bipolar 1960s when the then-Soviet Union and the U.S. competed for space dominanReadengagement_0505.html"]Read[/url] By Vincent G. Sabathier[/b]url] By Vincent G. Sabathier This article aims to describe the emerging space partnership between Europe and China, how the United States has?and can continue?to influence this partnership, and why China?s inclusion in western space programs might be in the best interest Readtra/china_europe_0505.html"]Read Source: http://www.space.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Derf Veteran Posted May 25, 2005 Veteran Share Posted May 25, 2005 The US has recently softened it's position on Taiwan. They now support reunification negotiations to create a special democratic zone using Hong Kong as a model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincent Posted May 25, 2005 Author Share Posted May 25, 2005 Will U.S remain as the world Superpower? If not then how much longer? And who seems to be the next, personally i'm curious as to see how much longer the U.S will remain, World history has shown us that superpowers change change alot, empires came and went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemania Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 The US has recently softened it's position on Taiwan. They now support reunification negotiations to create a special democratic zone using Hong Kong as a model. 585969654[/snapback] THe US has always supported the one-china Policy and cross straight negotiation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Derf Veteran Posted May 25, 2005 Veteran Share Posted May 25, 2005 THe US has always supported the one-china Policy and cross straight negotiation. 585969762[/snapback] Recently Colin Powell talked about using Hong Kong as a model. That was taken as a stronger endorsement for the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davemania Posted May 25, 2005 Share Posted May 25, 2005 Recently Colin Powell talked about using Hong Kong as a model. That was taken as a stronger endorsement for the process. 585969778[/snapback] And at the same time, US and Japan also agreed that Taiwan is a common defence interest. Apart from a few poltiical manuvers, I don't see any major change that the US is taking against China. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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